Mesothelioma and Asbestos Exposure

Malignant mesothelioma is a type of cancer that affects the lining of organs internal to them. The primary risk factor is asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a heat and fire-resistant mineral fiber used in many occupations until it was banned in the 1970s. Miner, construction workers shipyard workers, factory workers and veteran workers are at risk the most of exposure.

What is Mesothelioma?

The mesothelium is the protective lining that covers various organs in the body. Mesothelioma that is malignant is typically located in the lungs and abdomen. However, it also can form in the lining of the heart (pericardium) or testes. A total of 3,000 people in United States are diagnosed with mesothelioma annually. The only cause that is known for this rare cancer is exposure to asbestos case. Asbestos was once a favored fibrous material in American industries due to its low cost and fire resistance. It was employed in the construction of structures, homes, ships, airplanes and automobiles. People who worked on these projects could have been exposed to asbestos when workers cut, removed or handled the materials. Exposure to these materials can lead to mesothelioma decades after the exposure.

It is difficult to identify mesothelioma because the first symptoms are similar to other lung cancer. The initial signs include chest pain, difficulty breathing, and a constant cough. As the disease progresses, more severe symptoms may develop, such as fatigue and weight loss.

There are four different kinds of mesothelioma. Each kind has a different prognosis. The most common form is pleural. It affects lung linings (pleura) and the chest cavity. Other types of mesothelioma include peritoneal (pericardial) and testicular and the peritoneal. Each type has its own distinctive symptoms, however all types are identified by an inflamed and malignant tumor that covers vital organs and hinders their function.

When doctors suspect mesothelioma they will order a biopsies to check for cancerous cells. A tissue sample is taken from the area affected and examined under the microscope. If cancer is found the patient can be diagnosed with epithelioid, or mesothelioma that is sarcomatoid. Epithelioid mesothelioma makes up 70% to 80% of all mesothelioma cases and is more receptive to treatment. Sarcomatoid Mesothelioma accounts for only 10 percent of mesothelioma cases, and has a lower prognosis.

Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos is at risk for mesothelioma. Certain groups are more at risk of developing mesothelioma more than others. This includes people who work in the asbestos industry, veterans of the military and those who have mesothelioma in their family. People who have had radiation treatments related to asbestos are also at risk of developing mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma Symptoms

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the tissues which protect and line internal organs. This includes the lungs (pleura) as well as the abdomen (peritoneum), and the peritoneum. The likelihood of developing mesothelioma rises when asbestos is exposed at work. The most common mesothelioma type is pleural mesothelioma. This affects the lining of the lungs.

Asbestos fibers cause irritation to the mesothelium. Over time cells become damaged and genetic changes cause them to become malignant. Tumors develop. Symptoms of mesothelioma vary and can include coughing chest pain, and trouble breathing. Other symptoms include fatigue, nausea and weight loss as well as trouble swallowing. Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer, and it can take from 10 to 60 years for the first symptoms to appear. Most of the time, the symptoms are misinterpreted as other illnesses like the flu or pneumonia. Mesothelioma is not easy to identify as it is rare and the symptoms are similar to other illnesses.

Doctors generally do not associate mesothelioma and asbestos exposure until mesothelioma that is in late-stage. At this point the doctor will typically ask the patient about his or her prior exposure to asbestos and perform a physical examination. Imaging scans are used by doctors to diagnose mesothelioma and to rule out other illnesses.

In addition to a physical examination the doctor might also suggest blood tests or imaging scans of the abdomen and chest. The imaging tests may include CT scans, MRI, PET scans or X-rays. A biopsy can be requested by a physician to confirm a mesothelioma diagnosis and to determine which kind of mesothelioma is present. The biopsy could be an exploratory surgery or an minimally invasive procedure.

During the biopsy, doctors remove small pieces of mesothelium and search for mesothelioma cell. The majority of mesothelioma diagnoses are epithelioid cells. The sarcomatoid type is not as responsive to treatment and has shorter life expectancy. The epithelioid type is more responsive to treatments and has a superior prognosis. The biphasic form is a mixture of the two types and accounts for 30 to 40% of all mesothelioma diagnosis.

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is most commonly found in the lung's lining (pleura) however it can also form in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) or the lining of the heart (pericardium). Every year, mesothelioma is discovered in about 3,000 people. It is the only known cancer caused by asbestos. Mesothelioma usually takes 20-50 years to develop following asbestos exposure.

Asbestos is a mineral that occurs naturally with properties that resist heat. For many years it was employed in many American industries because it was cheap and fire-resistant. The asbestos industry was particularly lucrative for the construction industry, as it was used to insulate and fireproof buildings, ships, automobiles and other items. Construction workers were at the highest risk of being exposed to asbestos.

Workers who worked with asbestos or took it away were exposed to fibers which are sharp and could cause serious health problems. These fibers can easily inhale or swallowed, and they can irritate the mesothelium. Over time, the irritation leads to scar tissue, which could lead to tumors.

Different mesothelioma types affect different parts of the body. Pleural mesothelioma has the highest prevalence, affecting the lining of the chest cavity as well as lungs. This is the most frequent mesothelioma type and may cause symptoms such as breathing problems or pain. Mesothelioma can also affect the lining in the abdominal cavity, causing symptoms like pain, swelling, or digestive problems. It can also affect the heart's lining which can cause unusual symptoms such as chest pain or palpitations.

Mesothelioma symptoms may be confused with other ailments. It is important to consult your doctor if any of these symptoms occur. Your doctor will perform an examination and conduct imaging tests to check for any abnormalities. These tests may include CT scans, MRIs and PET scans. These tests will allow doctors to determine if mesothelioma related changes are forming within your body.

Mesothelioma might not be contagious however, family members of asbestos-related patients have a higher chance of developing the disease. Workers who were exposed brought asbestos fibers home and sprayed them on their clothing, hair and skin. The asbestos fibers could then be breathed in by the asbestos fibers. This type of secondhand exposure is referred to as secondary asbestos exposure.

Treatment for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that starts when the cells of the human body begin to grow in uncontrolled ways. They can also reproduce and spread to other parts of the body causing the formation of tumors.

Exposure to asbestos attorney is the main risk factor of mesothelioma. Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was used in the construction industry and other fields prior to its ban in the 1970s. When it is exposed to air, the microscopic fibers can be inhaled or eaten. Then, they can become stuck in the lining of specific organs and cause mesothelioma.

The asbestos-related workers, especially those who were responsible for its removal or handling, have the highest risk of developing mesothelioma. Blue-collar employees, and even family members of asbestos workers are at risk. Workers may carry asbestos fibers home on their clothes, and family members could inhale asbestos attorney fibers when cleaning their clothes.

Although mesothelioma is not a common occurrence however, it is essential to see a doctor for any symptoms that could be linked to the condition. They may include chest pain, breathing difficulties or a persistent cough. The doctor will ask about your medical history and if you have been exposed to asbestos. The doctor will also conduct a chest X ray and a physical exam to look for mesothelioma. Other tests can include computed tomography (CT) scan and positron emission imaging (PET) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

If mesothelioma has been diagnosed the doctor will speak with you about the treatment options. These might include surgery, chemotherapy or radiation. Treatment options will depend on the type of mesothelioma, and how far along it has advanced.

While there is no cure for mesothelioma yet, the correct treatment can improve the chances of survival. Get your free Mesothelioma Guide to know more about the disease and the treatments available. We'll deliver it to you at no charge, no commitment. You can also contact us at 1-888-314-6906. You can ask an experienced nurse any questions. You can also call an attorney for a free consultation on filing a mesothelioma lawsuit. We are committed to helping you and your loved ones receive the amount of compensation they deserve.